'The Flash' Premiere Sets CW Record in Final DVR Ratings

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The Oct. 7 series premiere of the anticipated Arrow spinoff is the most-watched telecast in the network's young history, rising to 6.83 million viewers in final live-plus-7 ratings — a 2 million viewer increase, or 41 percent jump, from its robust 4.8 million start.

The Flash had already surpassed the previous record holder, the 2009 premiere of The Vampire Diaries, when its live-plus-3 ratings were factored in: 6.1 million viewers versus 5.66 million for the latter in live-plus-7.

Heavily marketed, The Flash also posted The CW's highest-rated telecast ever among several key demographics: men 18-to-49 (3.2 rating) and men 18-to-34 (2.5). In the advertiser-coveted 18-to-49 demo, the comic-book drama's first episode was the second-highest-rated ever with a 2.6, improving 39 percent from its same-day draw. Among younger viewers, The Flash jumped a similarly impressive 37 percent among the 18-to-34 set.

The Flash, led by Grant Gustin as the fastest man alive,is executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, David Nutter and Sarah Schechter. Warner Bros. TV and Berlanti Productions are behind the hourlong drama.